Cannabis Blog

Marijuana reform proved to be wildly popular in Florida, where six million people—71 percent of voters—approved an initiative allowing for increased access to medical cannabis. Currently, Florida residents can get their hands on low or no-THC oil for epilepsy—and if someone is terminally ill, they’re allowed “full-strength” marijuana.

That’s all supposed to change starting sometime after Jan. 3, when the state is supposed to start setting up a medical-marijuana industry. Emphasis on “supposed to,” because as the Tampa Bay Times points out, Florida state lawmakers have many other things they’d rather do. Getting rules for cannabis together is simply “not a top priority” for any of the state’s three most-powerful elected officials, the according to the newspaper.

For now, many employers appear to be sticking with their drug testing and personal conduct policies, even in states where recreational marijuana use is now permitted. Others are keeping a close eye on the still evolving legal, regulatory and political environment.

Voters in California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada voted Nov. 8 to approve the use of recreational marijuana, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, where it had previously been legalized. (A recount of Maine’s close result is scheduled.) More than two dozen states have medical marijuana programs.

Today at Portland’s inaugural Weed Week a new cannabis product is causing a bit of buzz. Coalition Brewing and Half Baked Labs release Oregon’s first commercially produced CBD-infused beer.

The beer contains an active dose of Cannabidiol (CBD), but no THC, the psychoactive element found in marijuana. CBD is one of the plant’s many cannabinoids most commonly known for calming effect and medicinal qualities.

As part of Weed Week, Coalition Brewing and Half Baked Labs are offering a sneak peek of the beer. The sampling will take place during a panel discussion on the relationship of Hops and Cannabis, in which both companies are participating.